The Gentle Grafter

The Gentle Grafter (1907) is a collection of fourteen short stories by American writer O. Henry. Inspired by his experiences as a fugitive and prisoner, these tales follow the escapades of two professional con artists whose humor and storytelling ability illuminate the nature of wealth and crime in early twentieth century America. In “Modern Rural Sports,” con-man Jeff Peters recalls a job in a rural Western town where, in need of money, he devised a plan with his friend Andy Tucker to steal from a humble farmer. When he shows up to the man’s farm, however, Jeff is surprised to find a well-dressed, well-mannered gentleman who lives in an impressive home with modern amenities. As he attempts his con, Jeff is rebuffed and ignored by a man too busy with gambling, stocks, and purchasing to entertain his unwanted company. Defeated, he returns to Andy, who comes up with a method of his own. “Conscience in Art” follows these characters to Pittsburgh, where they hope to trick one of the city’s newly made millionaires. Andy befriends a wealthy art collector, who shows him a rare carving and explains there were only two of them made. Seeing his chance, he convinces Jeff, who believes they can only steal if they give something in return, that he has found the carving’s replica, and sends his partner to sell it to the collector. The Gentle Grafter is a collection of interconnected short stories that deal humorously with themes of greed, wealth, and deceit. This edition of O. Henry’s The Gentle Grafter is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

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